Even after a direct confrontation with Doctor Doom, the Avengers realize Earth still needs saving in Ryan North and R/B Silva’s One World Under Doom #3. Resistance to Doom’s rule extends far beyond just the heroes. However, the real shock comes from a simultaneous magical attack, which reveals the stunning truth behind how Doom managed to conquer the world. What exactly is the secret behind Doom’s global takeover? Let’s find out!
The story opens in the Impossible City, high above Earth. Iron Man confronts Doctor Octopus and MODOK, warning them sharply against trying anything devious. The scene quickly expands to include a wide array of Avengers and villains, immediately making it clear that the stakes are incredibly high. The group then develops a plan and makes their first move – “knocking on Doom’s door.” It looks fantastic, but this direct approach doesn’t work, and it mainly serves to announce the arrival of Doctor Doom himself, who makes a grand entrance riding his Doom-themed T-Rex variant (can never get tired of seeing it), illustrated in an epic double-page spread by artist Silva.
Once Doom arrives, the battle quickly escalates. With Mysterio now in the mix, illusion and deception become major factors in the fight. Ultimately, the confrontation finishes with Doctor Doom outplaying the heroes yet again. But just as Doom claims victory, a new player enters the fray – a figure cosmic in scale – who looks ready to give Emperor Doom a serious run for his money, setting an epic clash for the next chapter.
Credit: Marvel Comics
One World Under Doom #3 succeeds on multiple levels, but its core strength lies in its exploration of people and the inherent chaos of human nature. While the overarching plot continues its epic trajectory, a significant source of amusement comes from the Avengers’ fumbling attempts to handle the situation. Their cluelessness regarding the “Doom problem” is almost comical, a point that Mysterio himself highlights.
Doom is operating on another level in this event, playing multidimensional chess with machinations layered upon layer. He holds sway over nearly everything, particularly the hearts and minds of the populace. Yet, there’s a palpable sense that this control is merely a facade, destined to crumble. The issue masterfully builds tension around the question: What will be the first domino to fall? While the answer isn’t explicitly given, the implication is clear – the repercussions will be immense.
The comic is comical at times, both intentionally and perhaps unintentionally (I certainly found myself laughing out loud while reading). While the lighter tone could risk downplaying the severity, the moments that embrace seriousness offer a stark portrayal of human nature, suggesting a grim tendency for humanity to choose the wrong path, embodied here by Doom’s reign. A drawback, however, is the role of the other villains, serving primarily as minor obstacles and background decoration rather than posing a real challenge to Doom’s dominance.
Credit: Marvel Comics
R.B. Silva delivers strong work on the set pieces and character interactions, showing clear improvement in faces and emotions from past efforts, even if some faces (like Carol’s) aren’t quite there yet. I also loved the energy and sheer coolness of the Avengers ‘knocking on Doom’s door – they project this incredible aura I haven’t seen from them in ages. The moment is powerfully enhanced by VC’s Travis Lanham’s lettering and David Curiel’s colors, as well as the use of some bombastic onomatopoeias.
One World Under Doom #3 effectively explores Doom’s intricate control and human nature amidst epic action and humor derived from the heroes’ fumbling, though secondary villains feel underdeveloped.
‘One World Under Doom’ #3: Doom Plays 3-D Chess With The Avengers
One World Under Doom #3 effectively explores Doom’s intricate control and human nature amidst epic action and humor derived from the heroes’ fumbling, though secondary villains feel underdeveloped.
